Tori: It all balances out in the end. I've had super-light days before of like 600 cals, sometimes that's just how it rolls. You're totally right, it is what it is. As long as it's not a habit, it's okay once in awhile. And LOL about your third foot! I find certain styles of music are good for me. I really dislike the Reggaeton beat, but I love the Samba and Salsa! AWESOME about the props from your parents and your ankles! oooooh lala!

Cassie: Thanks! I was surprised to see the new decade, I hope it sticks, though I know my weight always likes to bounce around once I cross a line like that. I'm bracing myself for it I am trying just to not think about it, in terms of the job. I'm always extremely hard on myself - and whenever I think of good things my inevitable "What-if's?" follow. So instead, I'm just trying to distract myself and be zen. It's working to varying degrees, lol. You're right that I probably feel it's all bigger than it was. I think I just have added pressure because this is by far the best opportunity that's come up for me and I want it BADLY. I'm glad you got to come home early after your stressful day, and I hope your vertigo clears up and you can relax! You've earned it!

Kay: I'm glad to hear you're feeling a little better. I'm sure things will work out with your son - you sound very dedicated to him and that's the most important thing of all!

Darlene: Awesome about that weight just melting right off - it's amazing what stress does to us!

Mike: I love your underline of -333 Great job on the policies, woooohoooo!!!!! I haven't scheduled a mammogram because I'm a bit too young, but I do monthly checks -- that good enough for ya?

Pam: Thanks. That breathing thing, I need to remember to do it. I also need to just think about other things. Plenty more to keep me occupied than worry. It just eats, you know?

Mern: I am going to talk to BF about that not worrying thing. You and DH are on to something. He's naturally someone who doesn't worry too much -- even without a job, he's not WORRIED that we'll be okay (We will be), but he more just feels bad that he's not helping provide very much, other than the unemployment (which of course is a help - it pays some bills). I need to tap into that zen or something. I tend to worry about everything. I blame the way I grew up, where I was the peacemaker in a family of hotheads and constantly having to worry about who was mad at who, who wasn't talking to whom, and trying to mend bridges. Worry just became natural, because no one else around me seemed to be worrying about stuff. Now as I'm grown, I realized I probably worried TOO much, and they likely knew things would be okay... but I didn't (No one ever bothered to tell me that things would be okay, lol). Anyway, it's a habit that I know needs breaking. Thank you for your as always wonderful advice.

Amy: Swimming in butter and parm??? Mmmmm, mouth watering over here!!!! And hey, kudos on the labs!

fit4luv: Way to go on the report from the dietician!! Keep it up, you're doing awesome!

quinn: It is an interesting topic, the numbers-versus-artistic thing. Some days I don't know which I am. I actually have trouble with math, but science and scientific thinking makes much more sense. A lot of times when I look at things that are holistic or natural, my first response is skepticisim (and, let's face it, a lot of these "miracle products" are a scam... though some of them really are good for you) so I tend to shy away from things like that. I consider myself spiritual but not overtly religious, and I am extremely NOT artistic. I can't even draw a stick figure right, lol. I don't have trouble visualizing things, though. I feel like I express my creativity best through writing and also through science (designing experiments is creative!). I don't know, it's weird. I honestly have no idea if I'm nurturing because I have little experience with children, but I've been told that I care overly much about the people around me. I think there's something to it for sure, but I just don't have enough experience yet to put it all together

Health/Lifestyle/Fitness Goals

1) Calories between 1200-1500 daily. No single day over 1600. Week average around 1300. M: 1,490 T: 969 T: 1,244 (Week Average: 1,234)
2) Exercise at least three times this week. No excuses at all. None. Zippo. Zilch. M: No T: No W: No
3) Calorie deficit of 5,000 or more M: -339 T: -857 W: -569 (Week Total: -1,765)
4) Log everything, even those handfuls of M&Ms I've been sneaking lately M: Yup, even the M&Ms T: yes W: yes
5) At least 64-80 oz. of water daily. More is better. M: 80 T: 72? W: 72
6) One new recipe for lunch or dinner this week M: Not yet. Likely weekend. T: Not yet W: Not yet
7) 2 Lunches and 1 Dinner out/takeaway, maximum M: No eating out T: No eating out W: lunch out (lab meeting)
8) Average of 25-30 percent protein for the week M: 21% T: 25% W: 20% (Week Average: 22%)
9) Weigh in M and F, post here M: 161.8 W: 159.5

Other Life Goals

1) Clean the bathroom M: No T: No W: No
2) Catch up (and stay caught up!) on laundry M: Got everything folded and put away. It's a start. T: No progress W: Two more loads done, one to go!
3) In bed by 11:30 every night. No excuses allowed. M: yes T: No W: yes
4) Make an effort on my appearance every single day (This one's for you, Mike ) M: no makeup T: yes W: no makeup
5) Post one wonderful thing that happened every day M: BF decided to end a toxic relationship that's bothered him for awhile. He seemed relieved - it was good for him. T: BF and I were both able to de-stress a bit. W: BF has a short story sent through from the screening editor to the real editor of a magazine - possibly paid!! Hopefully he gets it, but he needed the good news/ego lift.

Not too much to report from yesterday except that I didn't exercise. AGAIN. I think I've figured out why I don't, though -- it's because BF is home, and it feels weird for me to exercise with him in the house >.> He used to work 11-7:30 and it was perfect, I'd be done and showered by the time he waltzed in the door. Totally lame of me, but entirely true. I also need to work on my protein. All of my other numbers are okay.

Teaching tonight, and it's going to be a crazy-long lecture, so we'll see if I have the energy when I get home. Ugh.

~Terri

Thanks for the info on the camera, I the it will be the go pro for me. Good job on the mammogram, please don't think I'm weird for asking that kind of stuff.

Cool. Good luck on your exam.

Yep, good enough for me. Tisk tisk tisk on # 4.

You make me miss my Dad! I wish he were able to see my progress. I guess it will just be more of an at once shocker when I see him again. I haven't seen him now since early November. He lives 6 hrs away.

I love that you are close with your parents.

Health and Fitness

1. Lose 3 pounds:
2. Calorie deficient of 3k:-292, -333, -393 (-1018 so far)
3. Workout 3 times:day off (did stair master), yes, day off
4. Walk 3 times for at least 3 miles each:0, 0, 0
5. 3 servings of fruit and veggies:yes, yes, yes
6. Drink 3 liters of water:yes, yes, yes
7. Fish oil 3 times per day:yes, yes, yes

Non Health and Fitness
DONE 8. Write 3 policies:0, 1, 2 (LIKE A BOSS!)
9. 3 Random acts of kindness:0, 0, 1 (I gave away 2 of my pool sticks last night)

Amy and Terri,

I've had countless high school kids pass through my door over the last 10-15 years. Some get stellar grades in calculus and chemistry. Some are talented in creative writing and literature. Some get great grades in both, but they always struggle with one more than the other. By asking a kid who is new to me what their favorite class is, I always learn a lot.

My daughter and I are polar opposites. I can talk to someone for 3 minutes and read them like a book. My daughter, as I've said before, is just like the "Bones" character; she can talk about calculus and chemistry with authority, but can't pick up on peoples feelings or "cues" to save her life. She has the worst nurturing skills that I've ever seen. Think of the people skills of the "Bones" character... that's her. Someone can be pouring their heart out to her and she just kind of looks at them like, "Are you done yet?" It's funny to us, but it will be interesting to see what kind of guy she eventually marries, if she does. Guys flirt with her and she doesn't even see it until one of her friends point it out. Neither my husband or I are like that, but my dad was her clone. He would say somewhat offensive things to people because it was scientifically accurate, forgetting that it may hurt someone's feelings. Having grown up with my dad, I'm used to it, but my husband can't figure her out at all. My husband grew up in a huge, loud, gregarious, Italian, "huggy/kissy" family and usually comes to me to translate her moods.

Mike, you deserve to feel that great--"Bad to the Bone" LOL Congrats on that second policy today. Hope you enjoyed your pool. Aw, that's too bad that the reputation of mammos being so painful is stuck in your GF's mind. Mine was not even the least bit painful--just a little pressure--no discomfort--just awkward standing in that position with that machine holding onto my boob. I've wondered about why so many women have that fear and I realized that MINE had been from TV skits, standup comics, talk show guests, and TV sitcoms making jokes about our girls being squeezed to death, juiced, flattened like a pancake, etc. It's not like that at all. Yeah, it's too bad you can't tell her you've talked about this with us. I wonder if you could find an article online that would put her mind at ease.

Amy, feel better soon! Well, you did great taking your own salad dressing. Congrats on eating only four breadsticks. LOL That had to make you feel great having the lab results of a much younger woman! What an honor to have your name put in the hat over the Healthful Lifestyle program.

Kay, I hope these teachers WILL have an open mind and work to help resolve the problem rather than to assign blame. You might be pleasantly surprised at how how well your point of view is received.

Kim, I'm glad you had some effective meds at home and enjoyed some real food. Wonderful how the gym makes you feel better about yourself. I LOVE Panera Bread--their food is so delicious and they're always courteously willing to turn any sandwich into a salad for me. Ooh, your health and fitness numbers were great last night. Thanks for wishing me enjoyment of my wonderful day off.

Quinn, I hope after you get your tax stuff done it will clear the way for you to be able to concentrate on youself and on your way of eating for a healthy lifestyle. At least you maintained--you deserve a lot of credit for that!

Cassie, thanks. My daughter has three girls ages 17, 16, and 10 and a 7 year old boy. Ex DH left when their son was only 2 months old. I hope some day her kids come to understand how lucky they are to have her for a mother. Wow you had another great day on food and fitness. I'm trying to work on my snack foods to come up with additional nutritious ideas. Yesterday I enjoyed an ounce of unsalted almonds (dry nuked on a plate for 40 seconds to enhance the flavor) plus I sliced 4 oz. cucumber over which I drizzled a tablespoon of ranch salad dressing. Hoping to be able to enjoy celery stuffed with one tablespoon (2 net carbs) Naturally More peanut butter today. Or I may stuff the celery with zero carb mozzarella cheese and that same ranch dressing.

Tori, I sweat like crazy just walking two miles on the treadmill. My hair literally gets dripping wet. Funny about your cat sniffing you and then walking away. LOL I got a good chuckle out of your saying you "completely lied" about catching up with the posts. It's just totally impossible sometimes for any of us to keep up. Congrats on even MORE weight loss! I wouldn't be surprised if your hair looks a lot better than you think. It may not be exactly what you had in mind, but here in Ohio many younger women have multi-colored hair. Back when I was your age "frosted" was the look." Congrats on the ankles! I remember not being able to see mine. OMG that is soooo cool about your Dad saying he's proud of you!

fit4luv, that's why I set certain numbers, too--like for water. I have to do that in order to meet my goals. Saying I'll simply do better just doesn't address the problem. But some people don't need to be so strict with themselves as you and I do. Oh, thanks for sharing those lovely little ways of treating yourself. I love thinking of ways to treat myself that are neither food, nor expensive. You're welcome for the hug--great job using common sense--keep moving, but don't overdo on the walking exercise--adapt to one's needs. OMG, thanks for your kind words about my helping my daughter with her kids. It's just family helping take care of family. Virtually everyone in this group does that. Another OMG--congrats on your working with the dietician and on losing 10 pounds since your last visit!

April, good for you for being pro-active with your health. My husband's doc is one for running every test she can think of. And sometimes our insurance company says the tests she ordered are not covered because they are no longer considered necessary or she repeats them too often, or whatever. Better safe than sorry, yeah, but she really does go overboard bilking the insurance company and our pocketbooks for the co-pays on what our good health insurance does not cover. I get excellent care with an excellent doctor and our insurance company has never denied a claim on me. But I think he won't change doctors because he thinks the more tests, the better. Yet, at age 72, the only meds he was on was a low dose of Lisinopril for "just over the border" high blood pressure and he worked his way off THAT on his own by doing lowER carb--and not at his doctor's suggestion, either. Now all he takes is a vitamin D3 capsule. Hee Hee Hee--"inward exam." That's so ladylike.

Gotta go for now. Will be back later to try to finish catching up.

Tuesday & Wednesday Report

Health & Fitness Goals:

1. 1,400 calories daily + WEEKENDS!!! 1,397, 1,396, 1,613
2. 100 oz water + WEEKENDS!!! Y,Y,Y
3. Calorie deficit 5,000 total. -961, -810, -605 (total: -2,376)
4. Exercise 7 hours. 90 min, 30 min, 60 min, (total 3:00)
5. Log everything, INCLUDING WEEKENDS!!! Y,Y,Y
6. Weigh daily and post, INCLUDING WEEKENDS!!!167, 164, 165.4, 165.8

Other Goals:

1. Finish painting rabbit cage and put wire on, buy materials for 2 more. N, Y bought wire. N
2. Call sheet metal guy and get poo pan ordered. N, Y, but that guy was EXPENSIVE!!! So calling another guy I guess. N
3. Housework 1 hour daily + 1 load of laundry. INCLUDING WEEKENDS!!! N,Y,YY,YY
4. Cross 10 things off the "list". 0,1,0 (total 1)
5. Order parts for elliptical. N,Y, Took parts to machine shop, could be expensive, we'll see.
6. Write Valentine letter and work on photo. N,N,N

I think I was avoiding this reporting business, seems I have lots of time to chitchat, but I need to be doing other things, like logging and reporting. Anyway I've got a rotten case of DOMS from Monday's squat sets. I guess I haven't done them in a while, and now I never want to do them again! Gave me a PITA. I also did a 20 min ab set, but that's not bothering me at all, just the squats. Ugh, I like that routine too, but I guess I'll have to ease back into it. Anyway, I did a modified walking workout last night at the kid's swim fund raiser, and by the time I got home I could hardly stand upright.

They did a "Swim-A-Thon", and got donations for every lap, it was insane! Even the coach was shocked at how many laps the kids racked up. Youngest DD is 5, she swam 43 laps in half an hour! Middle DD is 8 and did 54 and eldest DD is 10 and swam 56 laps. I think the oldest could have done quite a few more but she was working on her breast stroke, which is her slowest. Middle DD was on fire but she swam all of her laps doing freestyle, which is her fastest stroke. It was super cool because they shut off all the ceiling lights, but left the underwater lights on, they also had a volunteer DJ who played music with lots of bass and did laser lights on the ceiling.

On the exercise front I've started something new. The elliptical is in pieces, and I've been wanting the oldest to workout, so I challenged her to have an am "just dance off" with me M-F. We only go 30 minutes, but it's a ton of fun. This morning we were tied 4 to 4 and then looked at the clock and were like, "oh crud, we have to quit now and it's tied, ergo we will have to wait until tomorrow morning to find out who is "Champion Dancer of the Universe". Oh well, nothing like am workout incentive eh?

Mike, Go Mike, Go Mike, Go Mike Go!!! You can do it, you can do it, rah rah rah!!! SHOW ME THE MONEY, Get some bucks, get some bucks, okay I'll quit now.... But I got me a heap more, if ya need...

Cassie, yes you'd think there'd be a law, but wouldn't that make us all criminals? Or victims?

Quinn, welcome back to the wagon, you're seat is still warm.

Oh Mern baby, enjoy your day off, I'm jealous as all get out, so when it's over I want all the juicy boring details so I can live vicariously. Hahaha.

Kay thanks for the gargle with salt water advice, I do that too, usually works like a charm, especially if I alternate it every few hours with mouthwash. I once put salt in my mouthwash, but it was so revolting that I cannot recommend it.

Terri, sorry about the food porn, but OMG they were heavenly. Do you have a "lucky" anything, like a rabbits foot, lucky socks, a charm? I know this sounds whacky but I wear a charm around my neck, and when I'm nervous I make sure the clasp is at the back and take a deep breath. It just reminds me of the blessings in my life. Mine happens to be a gift from DH, he's bought me several necklaces over the years, each to signify an event, all of them blessings. It helps me a lot. My brother and my nephew both wear a St. Christopher medallion that serves the same purpose (bro is an asthmatic, nephy a soldier). A few years ago my bro bought our grandmother a wheel and anchor charm, she wears that all the time and it helps her, grans is a HUGE worrier and I've watched her rub that charm when I know she was stressed out (the anchor and wheel is religious/nautical thing, means the Lord is my captain and my anchor). It doesn't have to be anything expensive, beads on a string, something you can throw in your purse, picture of you with friends, Irish rosary hooked on your key chain, etc etc.

Tori, speaking of jewelry to signify blessings, I think someone needs a new anklet to celebrate her new cankles to ankles success story. Don't you?

Well I gotta shut up now and go make some lunch.

LOL, I have to interpret for DH on the oldest DD, and he has to translate for the youngest, we haven't a clue on the middle child, she's her own species I swear.

fit4luv, I totally had a brain fart and forgot to say WA HOOOO HOOOO HOOOOO on the 10 lbs. That's so awesome and good job working with the dietician. How nice that must be to find someone so helpful and encouraging. We had to go to one when eldest DD was diagnosed with food allergies and put on a GF diet. The dietician no lie said, "Uh gluten free, what exactly is that?". She was nice, but no help and we only went once, just long enough to inform her about gluten free diets actually.

It's so interesting. My father and my sister are clones - same temperament, same way of explaining problems. My sister is a little more level-headed than Dad, but both of them can blow their tops easily. I'm much more like my mother - cool, calm, collected. My mother tends to obsess over details and so do it. I honestly am not sure ANYONE in my family is extremely nurturing or empathetic. But I don't know where my science-ness came from. I'm not good on picking up on some cues but I am on others. It's odd. I think I got sensitized to "angry/mad/upset" cues and I can read certain people really well, and other people I'm just like O_o.

My Dad and sister often interpret for each other, or I'll ask my sister what the heck to do when Dad gets into a mood. My instinct is always to try and talk it through calmly and quietly, but that never seems to work right. lol.